Mixed Peel Recipe Mary Berry

CANDIED CITRUS PEEL

Steps:

• Cut the fruit into 8 wedges, then cut out the flesh, leaving about 5mm thickness of peel and pith. Cut each wedge into 3-4 strips.
• Put the peel in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 5 mins. Drain, return to the pan and re-cover with fresh water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 30 mins.
• Set a sieve over a bowl and drain the peel, reserving the cooking water. Add 100g sugar to each 100ml water you have. Pour into a pan and gently heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the peel and simmer for 30 mins until the peel is translucent and soft. Leave to cool in the syrup, then remove with a slotted spoon and arrange in 1 layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Put in the oven at the lowest setting for 30 mins to dry.
• Sprinkle a layer of sugar over a sheet of baking parchment. Toss the strips of peel in the sugar, a few at a time, then spread out and leave for 1 hr or so to air-dry.
• Pack the peel into an airtight storage jar or rigid container lined with baking parchment. Will keep for 6-8 weeks in a cool, dry place.
• To make into a delicious gift, melt the chocolate in a small bowl. Dip the candied orange peel into the chocolate to half-coat them, shaking off the excess. Put them on baking parchment to set, then pack into small cellophane bags tied with ribbon or pretty kitchen string.

HOMEMADE CANDIED PEEL

Steps:

• Add the fruit rinds to a large saucepan and cover with water. Make sure they are totally submerged - a plate can help to weigh them down.
• Bring everything to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, or until the rinds are just starting to soften.
• Drain and set the fruit aside to cool. Once cooled, use a spoon to remove any remaining flesh or white pith from the peel and discard.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the caster sugar with 250ml of water and bring to a simmer over a medium heat, until the sugar is dissolved and the liquid is gently bubbling.
• Add the rinds, stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the rinds are soft and translucent. Then take the pan off the heat and leave to cool in the syrup.
• Preheat the oven to the lowest setting. Using tongs, transfer the rinds to a wire rack set over a baking tray, then place in the oven for 1 to 2 hours, so they dry out but are still malleable.
• Remove from the oven and toss in a little caster sugar. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and chop as needed. It'll last for up to six weeks in the fridge.

MARY BERRY'S CHRISTMAS PUDDING RECIPE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, suet or butter, almonds, carrot, raisins, currants, sultanas, breadcrumbs, nutmeg, candied peel, sugar and lemon zest. Add the lemon juice and eggs and stir until well combined.
• Lightly butter the pudding bowl. Spoon in the pudding mixture and level the surface.
• Cover with buttered greaseproof paper then foil, both pleated in the middle. Secure the paper and foil in place by tying string under the rim of the bowl.
• Put the bowl into a steamer or saucepan of simmering water, making sure the water comes halfway up the side of the bowl. Cover and steam, topping up with boiling water as needed, for about 6 hours.
• Remove the bowl from the steamer or pan and leave to cool. Remove the paper and foil covering. Make a few holes in the pudding with a fine skewer and pour in the rum or brandy.
• Cover the pudding with fresh greaseproof paper and foil. Store in a cool place for up to 3 months.
• To reheat for serving, steam the pudding for 2-3 hours. Serve at once with brandy butter.